New sports facilities open at Laois school
Fifth class pupils on the new basketball court at Timahoe NS
STAFF and children at Scoil Mhuire Fatima in Timahoe were in celebratory mood, as they gathered for the official opening of their newly constructed basketball court and walkway.
The track and court were constructed over the summer months and are proving to be a great hit with the children.
Several community groups that raised funds for the projects were all invited to join in the celebrations, when they were warmly thanked by school principal Michael McEvoy.
The generous groups included Stradbally Credit Union, Timahoe Vintage and Heritage Club, the School Parents’ Association, the Timahoe Male Choir, EirGrid and Laois county councillor Paschal McEvoy.
Guests gathered in the hall with the children, where they received some words of appreciation from fourth class pupils and were also treated to a ‘Thank you’ poem written by third class. The popular Timahoe Male Choir then performed one of their hits, much to the delight of all who attended the event on Friday 28 November.
The guests were taken outside to watch sixth class perform a relay race on the new track and to watch fifth class shoot some hoops on the new basketball court.
Fr Seán Kelly blessed the new facilities and the joyful event concluded with refreshments in the staffroom.
A delighted Mr McEvoy said: “We are thrilled with these new facilities and our current children and future generations of children will really benefit from them. We are so thankful to all of the organisations that helped fund the projects. Today was really important to acknowledge all of their hard work.”
Cllr Evoy said: “I went to Timahoe school myself and I have grandchildren here at the moment, so I have a deep connection with the school. I’m delighted that I was able to help out with these improvements and I congratulate the staff and the board of management on their work.”
EirGrid’s head of public engagement Sinéad Dooley commented: “It is fantastic to see the transformation of the basketball court at Timahoe NS. I know that it is a much used and enjoyed amenity by the pupils.
“The work to the court is a great example of a project in the local area which has been funded through EirGrid’s Community Benefit Fund, as part of the Laois Kilkenny Grid Reinforcement.
“Projects such as this at Timahoe NS also leave behind a positive legacy in communities, long after works have been completed.”
